Come, Let Us Make A Difference
by Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez
October 25, 2004
I am greatly honored to be named by the President as your new department secretary. Before me is a roster of illustrious members of the Bar, who by their excellence, brought new dimensions to justice, and to public service.
It is a privilege to work with such a fine group of government workers, who are focused on the task that lies before us; learned and dedicated men and women from whom the country expects so much. If there is any branch of government that can deliver on the promises and objectives of the President, this is it.
Ours is a task with no respite from its labors. Our responsibilities do not go to sleep, and we have to remain ever vigilant - at all times. Justice is demanded of us, and to dispense justice, we too, must be just.
We can be the most effective tool of government in achieving its goals. By doing our job conscientiously, making our presence felt in all the levels of society, assuring the public that in us dwells their trust, we can send a message to the wrongdoers and the curruptors that their time has come to an end.
Petty crimes as well as big-time corruption ar the nemesis of progress, and we are tasked to subdue its evil. It is our job to cleanse our society of the cancer that has prevented us from moving forward and be counted among the more progressive nation in this part of the globe.
However, before we can look outward, let us first look deeper within us and ask ourselves whether we have the political will, the timber, to stand steadfastly against the evil forces, denying ourselves of the siren call of gold, steeling ourselves before temptation, and redeeming ourselves by the satisfaction of having done good.
I challenge you to stand firm and be counted among the brave. Together we will perform our mandate and provide our government with the most potent weapon, the most efficient machinery that will propel our nation into becoming much stronger.
Come, together let us make a difference.
* This is Secretary Gonzalez's statement during his first day in office on September 1, 2004.
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